NationStates Jolt Archive

Karl Marx Square, Port Sunlight

To use the old adage, trouble was brewing. Not major trouble, not trouble of revolutionary proportion but still there was…something in the air. The scent of dissention blew across the capital, and the whispered rumours of ‘change’ could be heard.

Its origins, like most things in life, were obscure and multifaceted. It had grown out of a general dissatisfaction with the way things were, alongside a comparison to how things were elsewhere. Diplomatic links with Pantocratoria, the removal of strict travel visas for Fiefdom citizens and the reduction of state control of the media had eroded the ground-rock of Party power. People were no longer satisfied with being told what to do. They wanted choice, and not necessarily to change everything. Fifty years of indoctrination had made them fearful of the free market and suspicious of anything that seemed overtly capitalist. And they were also fiercely loyal to the person of Uncle Noel, to whom they had attributed every positive paternal emotion they could muster. But not everything the party touched was gold. The people had seen the gradual weakening of the totalitarian state, but resented the fact that new found liberties were a product of the Party’s generosity, free to be removed at any time. Having had a taste of freedom, the people wanted more.

What turned such hoped-for longings into a real mood of political action was the debacle in Kaitan-Leagran. The Party may have thought that the people existed to serve it, and not the other way around, but (people concluded) at least it had made them strong. The Party, for all its faults, had at least made the outside take notice of its power. A regional backwater no longer, or so they thought.

Forced to retreat under intense international pressure, the withdrawal of the Marine Infantry from Freetown had done more than simply cause confusion on the international scene; it had destroyed the aura of invincibility that surrounded the Party. Top officials (though not, reasoned the people, the Dear Leader) had failed hilariously to foresee just how disastrous the entire affair in New Deasrargle would be. Poor planning, poor judgement and poor diplomacy had led, not just to wounded pride, but also to the death of young servicemen for no obvious reason. And that, quite simply, was the straw that shattered the camel’s back.

In Karl Marx Square, outside the imposing Palace of the People, the protesting crowd was only small. Their objectives were not particularly grand, or particularly clear. They wished only to vent their anger and dismay at the recent fiasco, and none there would confess to desiring a revolution or the destruction of the Party. They just wanted…’something’.

To Uncle Noel, however, the crowd represented something much more dangerous. If left unchecked, it was the end of everything he had worked for.

“Trevor,” said Noel, turning to his nephew, heir and deputy that sat before him, “You studied history, tell me difference between Louis XVI and Frederick William IV?”
Questions like this had always irritated Trevor. True, he was a Doctor of History but this didn’t mean that he knew ALL of history. He wasn’t a font of all knowledge of the past. People didn’t seem to realise that, when you studied something in higher education, you specialised. Dr. Trevor Macmillan could tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Carolingian monasticism, from the reforms of Louis the Pious to the attitude of Charles the Bald. He couldn’t tell you grain prices in fifteenth century Seville because (rather shockingly) he had never studied it.
“One was French and the other Prussian?” offered the academic.

“True enough,” replied the General Secretary, “but not really the answer I was looking for.
The answer is the manner in which they handled revolution. Louis, dear old Louis, dragged his feet about everything. Sure, he ‘tolerated’ the revolution in its early days, but it was clear to all and sundry that his heart still wanted the good old days. And when he tried to flee to his in-laws in Austria, well, then he had to go, didn’t he?
Now Frederick William was different. At first he tried to repress it, but then he realised the most important lesson of politics.”

“And that is?” asked the Deputy General Secretary.

“That you can never stop a revolution, only divert it and hope to harness it.”
Trevor arose from his chair and made his way to his uncle’s side at the window.
“And you think…this,” he asked, waving a somewhat dismissive hand at the protesters, “Is a revolution?”
“Not today by any stretch of the imagination, but popular movements build up quickly and then it either alls comes crashing down or…”
“Or what?”
“Well, you are left with a Tiananmen Square, which is never good.”
A silence fell over the two men. Beyond the chants of the crowd, and the distant hum of traffic, nothing could be heard.
“There is always ‘the plan’,” said Trevor after a few minutes.
“Bit dangerous now,” said the Dear Leader, “None of us are sure how they will react. Especially after all that has happened.”

“Frederick William also kept his throne by making concessions you know.”

“Yes, I suppose he did. Arrange a press conference for tomorrow morning.”

National People's Soviet Building, Port Sunlight

The National People’s Soviet Building was, despite its lengthy retirement, still an impressive building. Constructed with all the pomp and circumstance of a young regime, filled with ideas, it towered above the skyline of the southern quarter of the city. A spiraling Stalinist tower, complete with a large bronzed statue of Karl Marx at the top (his hand reaching out towards the future), the building had been left empty for nearly twenty years.
The National People’s Soviet was, like the parliaments of all communist nations, rarely in session and existed merely to rubber-stamp the decisions of higher Party Officials. So it had been in the Soviet Union, so it was still in North Korea and so had the Fiefdom once operated. Except, after the last round of elections in 1988 (the Communist Party, much to everyone’s distinct lack of surprise, won), many began to question the point of it all. The Fiefdom was a one-party state, everyone knew and (for the most part) accepted this. Why go through the charade every few years? At the end of the representatives’ term in 1993, no further elections were held and the Soviet Building began its long retirement.

It was an odd place, therefore, to hold a Press Conference. It was even stranger that members of the International Media were invited, and that the Dear Leader himself would lead it. Most of the assembled hacks had concluded that the Party were announcing a fresh batch of elections (which they were) but that these would follow the same old pattern. In that regard, there were very wrong indeed.

Uncle Noel, wearing a simple blue suit, began the Conference promptly at ten o’ clock.
“Comrades, and friends from the International Press, I thank for braving another boiling January morning [chuckles from hacks] to come the National Soviet Building. I am sure that many of you have already guessed the nature of this conference today, we have not dragged you all the way to the old Parliament building in order to discuss grain prices [more chuckles] but, instead, to discuss elections.
The Communist Party of the Fiefdom, which I have proudly served in my capacity as General Secretary for nigh over five decades, has strived constantly to build a more just society. It has worked to eliminate completely social inequality, to provide the best education for its children and to ensure that not one person, not one out of over three billion, is left behind or crushed by the forces of international capitalism. For the most part, I think we have succeeded in this task. I am rightly proud of this, and were I to die tomorrow then I think that I would meet my Maker with as much confidence as we wretched creatures might possess about our conduct in this realm.
Recently, however, the Party and the Government has struggled in one very particular regard, with not very positive results. And that regard is the great balancing act between two very different ideologies.
On the one hand, the Party has always advanced the cause of Marxist-Leninism. It was established the dictatorship of the proletariat in order to precede the eventual creation of the communist state. It has attempted to break down the old order of avarice, greed and selfishness that characterised the old empire. It has attempted to unite the people in a common cause and to truly make a socialist peoples. In this regard, while we have done much, there is still much to do.
On the other hand, the Party (over the last decade) has realised that it cannot do this (and I think even our critic’s would argue that our aims are not entirely without a certain nobility of purpose), by continuing to beat and brutalise our people like a man would contain a savage dog with force. The people of this island are not dogs, and thus we resolved to treat them like men.
I notice here today members of the Free Press of the Fiefdom, an innovation that I hope has not gone unnoticed within the Fiefdom and abroad. The structures of State Security, once feared, are now all but completed dissolved. Freedom, openness and the exchange of ideas are now characteristic of the new spirit of the times, or zeitgeist if you will.
Among such openness, though, has come that alternate ideology of which I spoke. And that is democracy. The citizens of the Fiefdom have increasingly affirmed that they wish to have a measure of control over their political masters. Such a desire is, in many ways, entirely legitimate. If you do not like something, then surely you should have a chance to remove it.
That desire, however, comes into conflict with Marxist-Leninism, where the Party must retain control in over the pave the way for the future. Democracy has a tendency, Communists have discovered in other parts of the world, of removing them from power before any of the goals of the revolution can be achieved. People, as even the most ardent supporter of popular choice must concede, are a fickle lot at times.
Such a balancing act is always difficult, and one that is prone to collapse on either side. If we allow the democrats to win wholeheartedly, then we run the risk that international capitalism (and all the ills that come with it) are returned to us. Yet the alternative is more repression, more political killings and a return to totalitarianism, a distinctly worse scenario.
The solution which I, and the current generation of party leadership have devised is elections. Free elections.
The building that stands behind you shall be re-commissioned, the old electoral districts that were to be used in 1993 will be utilized (unless significant population change has occurred in the 14 years since then). With my last act as Dear Leader, I formally abolish, annul and in every other way overturn those laws which prohibited the creation of any other political party other than the Communist Party. Citizens of the Fiefdom are thusly free, as of this moment, to form whatever political association they desire.
In order to maintain the revolution, however, reforms are also to be enacted. The original 687 seats of the National People’s Soviet shall be retained, but the number of deputies shall be increased to 916 seats. This additional quarter shall be allocated to the Communist Party which shall hold it indefinitely in order to allow sufficient dialectically correct policies to be enacted, and the revolution to be maintained and preserved.
And last, but by no means least, the day of elections shall also serve as my last as General Secretary of the Party. I have served the Party, and the country for 54 years this year. Time enough, I think, for a change and a well-deserved rest.
Thank you for your time comrades. I am afraid there will be no questions today, but formal hustings shall take place at such time as political parties are created.
Thank you and good day,"

ooc: SUMMARY OF ABOVE ESSAY/BOOK OF BIBLE

The Fiefdom is holding partially free elections. 3/4 are free and open, but the Communist Party is holding 1/4 for itself, free of such inconviences as elections.

Discuss. (30 marks)

Jonensberg, Kulikovia

Prime Minister Dantes, the Iron Champion of the Worker's State sat in his office. The years began to wear on him. His second term as Prime Minister was coming to a close as elctions were schedueled for the next month. A young and charismatic senator by the name of Gunther Rhinehart of the Judicial Party was gaining ground on the campaign front. Premier Andropov of the Democratic Socialist Party, Dantes right hand man was begining to lose slowly in the polls. It was a cold day in the capital. Snow flakes danced down from the heavens onto the old city. The economy was in a bit of the slump but the people kept their heads up. Dantes was on his way out, an old warrior. A new breed of leadership was moving in. The Socialist nation underwent dramatic political changes several decades ago after a brutal revolution against the Fascist Regime of Chancellor Botha. That name...almost a taboo to utter it. Dantes was a rebel commander during the revolution and proved himself in the battlefield as a compitent and decisive leader. He was even wounded during the siege of Jonensberg which was the last battle of the war. The new state was like an infant but Dantes stayed out of politics and stood at the side lines as the nation grew. Then, throngs of workers and citizens swamped him, desiring his leadership to forge and even better Kulikovia. So, he reentered politics, quickly rising through the ranks and finally captured the Prime Ministery after a successful campaign.

His tenure in office was for the most part a success, the nation prospered under his leadership. Times were good as he helped pass economic reforms, better rights for ninorities and gays as well as a plethera of other laws to better the state. But, now the economy is in a slump and a disasterous military campaign in the Burnsian Desert as well as several scandals within his party caused his popularity to slide a tad. There was a knock at his door, his mind snapped back to reality.
"Yes?" he asked, a bit bewildered.
"It's Fyodor" an aged voice replied from the other side of the door.
"Please come in" he replied as he got out from his chair, his back cracked. Dantes was no longer the young soldier he once was. He was now in his fifties, eyesight worsening, and his back was killing him. An even older man stepped into his office. It was Minister Fyodor Skavinski of the Ministry of State. The two of them were good friends and Fyodor was a trusted member of his cabinet, one he could always rely on.
"Gregor, we've just been handed some important news" Fyodor began to say "The Fiefdom under Uncle Knoel has just announced his intentions of holding free elections"
"Excellent!" Dantes said with a brightened face. The Fiefdom was a Communist nation, a more rigid ideaology in Dantes mind. This was good news to hear that they would allow free elections to take place.

Bump Of Nations

Somewhere in Allanea

"So… 'glasnost', eh? Let's see what we can do. Do we have any agents there, Tom?"

"Let me look it up… no."

"Bah! What is this with those ACIA people? Can they ever do their job right? Look. I would like you to establish… not espionage networks, that's too big and we don't have time. Merely, I want you to use whatever resources you do have there – which is likely preciously little – to establish ties with all leaders of all non-communist parties there, you understand?"

"Yes, Sasha."

"And one more thing, Tom. I want you to send their government a small message…"


Message to the government of the Fiefdom

[i]We would like to know whether this new freedom also includes the freedom to organize various organizations aside from political parties – for example, sportsmen's gropus, craft and hobby associations, or labor unions.

Sincerely yours, the Allaneans.

OFFICIAL RESPONSE BY THE FOREIGN MINISTRY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NORF KOREA

The Democratic People's Republic Of Norf Korea, led By The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation, And Of Mankind, expresses concern at the changes announced by Uncle Noel within his nation.

Such changes announced could lead to unwanted elements, in particular the bloodsucking leeches that are Capitalists and Imperialists, attempting to capitalise on such changes and lead the proletariat into oppression.

As such as a result of these concerns, The Democratic People's Republic Of Norf Korea,led By The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation, And Of Mankind, urges Uncle Noel to at least reconsider his decision, or make his political changes with the continued consideration that has kept the revolution in his nation thriving, of the proletariat's strength, free from imperialist and capitalist oppression, and to continue to protect and continue that status.

That Is All.

Official Correspondence of the Government of the Fiefdom

1.

To:The Government of Allanea

Dear Sirs,

It has often been noted, by both the International Community and Allanea herself, that the United States praises 'straight-talking' greatly.

To that end, therefore, the answer to your question is:
Yep.

Regards,
The Fiefdom

2.

To: The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation, And Of Mankind

Dear Sir,

Your concerns as to the recent development of the Fiefdom, and to the prospect of the reintroduction of capitalism, are well-rounded and not to be scoffed. The Government and the Party, however, would like to make two particular points in this regard;
Firstly the Party believes that, with the gradual removal of those instruments of repression previously available, the Government was left with few alternatives. Either the Serene Democratic People's Fiefdom fell, bringing with it portents of capitalism, imperialism and the repression of the workers at the hands of international finance, or that the Fiefdom would sink back into totalitarianism and thus lose respect from potential brothers worldwide and the respect of fellow nations. Some manner of reform, therefore, had to occur.
Secondly, however, the Party did say the concerns of The Democratic People's Republic Of Norf Korea and thus created a number of conditions upon the introduction of democracy. The first is the imposition of Communist Party representatives in the National People's Soviet in order to maintain and preserve the ideals of the Party and our illustrious forebears. In that sense, therefore, these representatives are designed to maintain and secure that the red flag, stained in the blood of martyrs, is not an empty symbol. The other condition, not spelt out at the news conference, was that the constitution would be made more secure by the imposition of a number of irrevocable causes. These causes, which no power other than the complete and utter destruction of the Serene Democratic People's Fiefdom could remove, contained within them the clause that the economy of the Fiefdom shall be, and shall remain so forever, centrally-planned and free from any manner of large-scale capitalist intervention/control. To that end, therefore, the newly recreated National People's Soviet shall discuss the course of certain elements of the Fiefdom's direction (such as foreign policy, crime etc.) while having those elements which are ideologically-pure (the economy) are retained.

We hope that this reassures The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation, And Of Mankind that the Party's intentions are honourable and, more importantly, ever mindful of the socialist revolution and the causes of Marx and Engels.

The Foreign Ministry of the Fiefdom.

Palais du Parlement, New Rome

"...rise in the petrol excise is only commensurate with usual inflationary pressures, a responsible policy from this economically responsible government, my Lord Speaker, despite..." Isabelle Folquet, Pantocratoria's Treasurer, said, wrapping up her answer to the question without notice about rising fuel taxes from Cyprien Meserve, the United Christian Front MP for Ipattaset in the south, speaking over a great deal of noise from the opposition benches.

"Order! Members on my left!" the Speaker growled at the Opposition.

"...despite, my Lord Speaker, the nonsense from members opposite." Folquet concluded, taking her seat. A Socialist backbencher rose to his feet.

"The Member for Anea." the Speaker acknowledged.

"Thank you, my Lord Speaker," said Raymond Guyon, the backbencher in question. "My question is for the Minister for Foreign Affairs. What is the Minister's reaction, and the reaction of the Imperial Government, to the recent announcement by 'Uncle' Noel Hoogaboom, the General Secretary of the Party Central Committee of the Communist Party of Otiacicoh, who recently visited this Parliament, to the effect that his nation will soon be having democratic elections? How does the Minister believe this will affect relations between the Fiefdom and Pantocratoria?"

"The Honourable the Minister for Foreign Affairs." called the Speaker.

"Thank you, my Lord Speaker, and I thank the Member for his question." Demetrios Raoul began after swaggering over to the dispatch box to answer the question. "I know that the Member has a keen interest in foreign affairs, and was a keen supporter of the General Secretary's state visit to Pantocratoria, believing then as the Government did, and still does, that such a visit would be instrumental in convincing the General Secretary, who struck me, my Lord Speaker, as he did so many in this house, as being a very reasonable and wise man, that equitable government through socialist ideals could indeed be achieved via democratic means."

"My Lord Speaker, the Imperial Government, like the Member for Anea, welcomes and applauds the General Secretary's move towards democracy. It is our hope that this will bring Pantocratoria and the Fiefdom even closer together." Raoul continued. "The Imperial Government holds the Fiefdom and its people in high esteem and believes that the friendship between our nations will endures, whichever parties prevail in the forthcoming democratic elections..."

"The Republic of Zaire cautiously supports these reforms, but we are also concerned that they may not be going far enough."


Mobutu Sese Seko
President of Zaire
http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/images/Coat_of_arms_of_Zaire.PNG

Official Correspondence of the Government of the Fiefdom

To: The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation, And Of Mankind

Dear Sir,

Your concerns as to the recent development of the Fiefdom, and to the prospect of the reintroduction of capitalism, are well-rounded and not to be scoffed. The Government and the Party, however, would like to make two particular points in this regard;
Firstly the Party believes that, with the gradual removal of those instruments of repression previously available, the Government was left with few alternatives. Either the Serene Democratic People's Fiefdom fell, bringing with it portents of capitalism, imperialism and the repression of the workers at the hands of international finance, or that the Fiefdom would sink back into totalitarianism and thus lose respect from potential brothers worldwide and the respect of fellow nations. Some manner of reform, therefore, had to occur.
Secondly, however, the Party did say the concerns of The Democratic People's Republic Of Norf Korea and thus created a number of conditions upon the introduction of democracy. The first is the imposition of Communist Party representatives in the National People's Soviet in order to maintain and preserve the ideals of the Party and our illustrious forebears. In that sense, therefore, these representatives are designed to maintain and secure that the red flag, stained in the blood of martyrs, is not an empty symbol. The other condition, not spelt out at the news conference, was that the constitution would be made more secure by the imposition of a number of irrevocable causes. These causes, which no power other than the complete and utter destruction of the Serene Democratic People's Fiefdom could remove, contained within them the clause that the economy of the Fiefdom shall be, and shall remain so forever, centrally-planned and free from any manner of large-scale capitalist intervention/control. To that end, therefore, the newly recreated National People's Soviet shall discuss the course of certain elements of the Fiefdom's direction (such as foreign policy, crime etc.) while having those elements which are ideologically-pure (the economy) are retained.

We hope that this reassures The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation, And Of Mankind that the Party's intentions are honourable and, more importantly, ever mindful of the socialist revolution and the causes of Marx and Engels.

The Foreign Ministry of the Fiefdom.


Secret IC to Uncle Noel:

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE BY THE GREAT LEADER, THE SUN OF THE NATION AND OF MANKIND, OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NORF KOREA


To: Uncle Noel.

I bid you greetings, Comrade Uncle Noel, and I thankyou for your letter to me, although I will add that I would feel comftable if you addressed me as 'Comrade', and not 'Sir'.

I read with interest and still concern regarding your plans for changes within your country. I shall not tell you how to rule your country, only offer advice from my position that has been unchanged in my overseeing over The Choson Nation.

Your reforms, I see, are aimed for the good of the people, and I must commend you on this, as should the members of The Communist International that exist in every country worldwide.


You have spelt out that you aim to remove the instruments of totalitarianism. All being well, but I urge you to retain the tools of order and safety for your nation's revolution and people. There will always be those who will take your yard of reform and take a mile to use against the revolution, those subversives who would prosper from seeing your nation and peoples in misery as your nation is transformed into a paradise for Capitalist gangsters to suck the blood out of.


I have heard you are wise, so reform wisely. There are always wolves at the door, baying in greed and for blood.


In Solidarity,


The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation And Of Mankind, Of The Democratic People's Republic Of Norf Korea.

Secret IC to Norf Korea:

Dear Comrade,

We thank you for your kind words on behalf of our recent reforms, our explanation of which we are pleased to note has assuaged a number of your concerns.

The Party, and myself included, note your further concerns about the preservation of the Revolution (and surely no greater need exists for the advancement of the working class) and we are quite sure that there is nothing dialetically-wrong with the current reforms. As we know, our illustrious founders had originally planned for a worldwide Revolution, and the continuing absence of this means that The Communist International must improvise until such time as this occurs. The Dictatorship of the Proletariat, vital in the ultimate advancement to Communism, need not necessarily be a bloody dictatorship, indistinguishable from those of our ideological enemies The National Socialists.

I should apologise, however, for not being entirely forthcoming in my original answer, but hope that you understand that the world watches and, alas, often judges by its own rules. The 1987 Constitution, which enshined many of the principles of the Revolution and of Marxist-Leninism, is not to be overturned in the coming reforms. Rather, it shall be amended in part but the bulk retained. In regards to your fears over Capitalist Gangsters, I would ask you to note that the National People's Army exists primarily to defend the Revolution and the advancement of its goals.

Ultimately, no matter what occurs, the Proletariat shall always have the soldiers to defend the workers and peasants from their old masters.

Yours fraternally,

Uncle Noel.

Secret IC to Uncle Noel:

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE BY THE GREAT LEADER, THE SUN OF THE NATION AND OF MANKIND, OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NORF KOREA


To: Uncle Noel.

Do what you see is fit Comrade, but comrades internationally will be watching. I will be watching.

May your nation's revolution continue to prosper, and remember in your changes those who gave their lives, those whose blood inspired the Red Flag, to see they and their fellow proletariat were freed from the sharp claws and dripping jaws of the capitalist-imperialist pigs.


In Solidarity,


The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation And Of Mankind, Of The Democratic People's Republic Of Norf Korea.

Popocatepetl

Tlilpopoctazin Cozcacuauhtli was having a challenging day. Form 6b, the little horrors, had positively refused to behave in their Nahuatl Literature class. Jenkins, that odious little monster, had been the ringleader (as usual). His wilful disobedience shocked Cozcacuauhtli, who had always assumed that children had a desire to learn. The Nahuatl teacher was beginning to doubt this now.
'Still,' he thought, 'There is always the quietness of the Masters' Common Room.

The "Popocatepetl Nemachtiloyan (school) for Boys" was one of the region's premier schools, attracting some of the brightest boys. That said, a number of boys gained entrance on the depth of their parents' pockets and not on their academic ability. The school may have been state-owned, but a little extra income was always gratefully received.

Enjoying the quietness of the Common Room, Cozcacuauhtli unfolded the school's copy of The Fiefdom Pravda. It made for interesting reading. Cozcacuauhtli didn't know what to make of this 'election' business. His father had been a Communist soldier during the Civil War, and practically slept with a copy of Das Kapital under his pillow. He had been one of the first Aztecs to hear the call to arms, and had been a staunch supporter for all his life, and had attempted to instil this loyalty into his son (with mixed results).
His uncle (on his mother's side) had possessed a different opinion on the revolution. He had been a successful member of the old Cloth Pochteca (guild) and had prospered during the old regime. He had always resented, therefore, the endless quotas and fixed pricing that followed the rise of the Communists. His criticism was met with a beating and three years confined to Popocatepetl Mental Hospital. His opinion, therefore, was less than glowing.

The Pravda's front page was dedicated to those parties most likely to run. Well, that was actually a lie. The paper was actually covering those parties that would be large enough to gain seats. Across the Fiefdom, thousands of people had registered political organisations. Many shared the same aims yet the distance of a few miles meant that they would never unite. Break-away hardliners, tub-thumping provincials and populists demanding a better deal for their village/town/region swelled the political scene. The sudden nature of the elections meant that no grand organisation was possible. Some, however, had been able to make themselves heard across the electoral din.

First, of course, were the Communists. They acted, thought Cozcacuauhtli, like the cats that had just found the cream. An entire vat of it. Trevor Macmillan, the old man's nephew, seemed likely to take the top-jop. Their campaigned on retaining the old ways. Yes for State-Intervention, Yes for the huge Welfare State and no to anything even remotely like capitalism. Their core vote was, of course, those who would lose most from liberalisation (i.e.: those in protected industries).

Second was the Otiacicoh Socialist Democratic Party. Theirs was a more challenging act, since they certainly wished to retain many of the functions of the old regime while attempting to distance themselves politically. Their campaign, a full-page advertisement of which could be seen on page 17 of the paper, focused on political and constitutional reform. The Nahuatl teacher didn't think it would do them much harm.

Third was the "Torch of Freedom Party". A collection of successful managers and small shopkeepers (those that had survived in a ruthless socialist economy) and were thus on the political right. Lower taxes, smaller government and greater individual freedom where their concerns, along with a protection of the wealth they had managed to accumulate.

The Otiacicoh Monarchist Party was less a political party and more an uneasy alliance of social conservatives, moderate Aztec nationalists and the Pagan religious. If the fiasco in Kaitan-Leagran had at least one good point, it had revealed that the Communists had lied to them. The Imperial Family still lived, the successors to Tenoch and Huitzilíhuitl, the Descendents of Quetzalcoatl, Grand Speaker of the Mexica People, Supreme Lord of New Tenochtitlan, King of Kings were among them and thus that the old order was in sight. Only this goal, and this goal alone, united these politicians.

The fifth party, moving towards the political extreme, was the "Legion of Xipe Totec". The Legion was an nasty mixture of secular Aztec nationalists and sour-faced Pagan hardliners. They rejected all caxtiltecatl [Spanish i.e. foreign] influences and called for the return of 'traditional Aztec values'. Rumours abounded, however, that no sacred cows existed for the Legion, and that their ultimate goal was a 'clean' Otiacicoh and one where (some whispered) not even the Declaration of Zolton (that banned human sacrifice) would be honoured.

The sixth party was the National Socialist Otiacicohan Workers' Party. In the hermetically-sealed world of the old Fiefdom, ideas that were largely banished in the old world could grow and fester in the darkness. The National Socialists were your typical Nazi party, with the same Aryan racial theory that characterised older thinking. It would be interesting to see how well they would do.

Whatever happened, thought Cozcacuauhtli, it would certainly be an 'interesting' race.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF DAYTANISTAN

To: Uncle Noel Hoogaboom, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Otiacicoh Party Central Committee

Comrade,

On behalf of the Supreme Daytan People's Council, with whose authority I write this letter, and all the workers and peasants of Daytanistan, I extend the sincerest congratulations on your lifetime spent in service of the revolution.

The glorious nation you have built in the Serene People's Fiefdom stands tall and proud as a monument to the eternal glory of the working classes and a beacon of socialism to the world, a grand statement of the power of solidarity and purity of ideology in the face of all confounding and confronting challenges. It is with profound regret but eternal gratitude for this achievement that the Supreme Daytan People's Council received the news that you will be resigning from your most esteemed of offices at the elections you have scheduled to be held in the near future.

On behalf of the Supreme Daytan People's Council, it is my distinct honour to invite you to the Democratic Republic of Daytanistan when your well-deserved retirement affords you the free time, not as the leader of a great, free and socialist people, but as a private citizen deserving of the praise and thanks of a thankful working class across the world, where you would be able to see the miracles socialism has wrought in Daytanistan, and would receive the highest honour which can be awarded on behalf of the workers and peasants of Daytanistan, the Star of the Revolution. If you are unable to accept our invitation, the Supreme Daytan People's Council would still like to offer you this award as a token of the eternal esteem of the international working class, and alternative arrangements could be made for your presentation with the Star of the Revolution.

With the sincerest respect and admiration,

Amad Noosh
Supreme People's Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Literature, and Sports
Democratic Republic of Daytanistan

Somewere in Allanea

"Oh but they do not realize… all is interlinked."

"Yes, indeed."

"Do you remember what was the death of Communism in Old Russia, Vicky?"

"It's own stupidity?"

"I do believe that the Zaporozhetz – and, of course, the Zhiguli Mark 9 – contributed a lot too, my dear. You know that theory?"

"By the expansion of the petit-bourgeois lifestyle and small-property ownership, and further by the general encouragement of consumerism, the readily-available private automobile was the portent of doom of the Soviet system… it's in one of my school History textbooks."

"Sounds almost like commie propaganda."

"Well, yes. They proceeded: 'Furthermore, the freedom of motion guaranteed by the personal car created by a method of personal – rather then mass – transit was another nail in the Soviet Communist Coffin.' Happy now?"

"Hehe. I like your school, Vicky. Who ran it?"

"The Contemporary Education Company."

"Ah. Nice chaps. At any rate… put me in contact with the Uncle Noel Automobile Lover's Union or what-have-they. I may have an offer for them…"

Official Allanean Response to Norf Korea

Scumbag communist vermin!

The United States of Allanea, led by President Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky, expresses concern at the existence of such a nation as yours.

We at the United States Government are indeed worried that the 'Great Leader' continues to draw breath. Here is our warning, and it is loud and clear: interfere with our nation's policy, give us the tiniest, flimsiest excuse – and you will perish. Your nation exists for one simple reason – that Allanea has so far spared the pitiful, useless, lives of your leadership.

Tread carefully from now on.

Yours,

Alexander Kazansky,

Life Member of the National Rifle Association of Allanea,
Honorary Scoutmaster of the Allanean Boy Scout Corps,
Ph.D., Contemporary History
President-for-Life of the United States

Official Allanean Response to Norf Korea

Scumbag communist vermin!

The United States of Allanea, led by President Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky, expresses concern at the existence of such a nation as yours.

We at the United States Government are indeed worried that the 'Great Leader' continues to draw breath. Here is our warning, and it is loud and clear: interfere with our nation's policy, give us the tiniest, flimsiest excuse – and you will perish. Your nation exists for one simple reason – that Allanea has so far spared the pitiful, useless, lives of your leadership.

Tread carefully from now on.

Yours,

Alexander Kazansky,

Life Member of the National Rifle Association of Allanea,
Honorary Scoutmaster of the Allanean Boy Scout Corps,
Ph.D., Contemporary History
President-for-Life of the United States


OFFICIAL RESPONSE BY THE FOREIGN MINISTRY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NORF KOREA

The Democratic People's Republic Of Norf Korea, led By The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation, And Of Mankind, notes that it appears Allanea, realising they will never be a world power, have decided to be a world nuisance.

Such threats towards The Democratic People's Republic Of Norf Korea, led By The Great Leader, The Sun Of The Nation, And Of Mankind, by Allanea are seen in comparison to that of a wet fart commited by an elderly, ill man.
Smelly, repugnant, mildy amusing, but forgettable.

Allanea obviously thinks soap is civillisation.

If it could find the soap.

The Union does not oppose nor support Allanea's recent changes in domestic politics, as the Union believes every nation has their rights to their own internal business, but would like to make sure Allanea understands that Norf Korea does not stand alone. Sebytania stands ready to defend the Democratic People's Republic of Norf Korea from any imperialist oppressers, if required.

Thus, the Union suggests boy scout Alexander Kazansky to change their attitude slightly.

CITADEL OF GRACE, ARCELINE, CIELONIA
QUESTION PERIOD

"-and as to your concerns, Mr. Zabin," the tall woman addressed the reporter from her central place at the podium, "this government remains committed to establishing a peaceful presence in space in the interest of relieving population burden and furthering our understanding of the universe, and while the colony project will be equipped to defend itself, I can assure you that we are in no way interested in the militarization of space."

Sana Keirin Faris Alvaasar, Prime Minister of the Democratic Federation, brushed a hand through her hair and looked out into the crowd of reporters gathered for question period. She gestured. "Mr. Deschamps."

A reporter near the center of the crowd came to his feet. "Thank you, Madam Prime Minister. Ah, I'm sure we've all heard the recent flap over one of our regional allies, Norf Korea, being on the, ah, receiving end of some ugly threats from the United States of Allanea in regards to democratic reform in the fiefdom of one 'Uncle' Noel Hoogaboom. What is the government's position on this?"

Outwardly, Sana was perfectly poised, but inwardly she flinched. Cielonia's involvement with the Democratic People's Republic had mostly been an artifact of corrupt ex-Prime Minister Vicherie's maneuvering for regional power, and while she herself loathed associating with extremists like the Great Leader she could see the value in remaining on the Koreans' good side.

"Well," she began, "in the first place, as you know a resolution was recently ratified by Parliament to congratulate the Fiefdom's movement towards democratic reforms. I see these changes as an excellent step in the right direction in light of this government's belief that the right to vote in free and fair elections is a necessity of accountable government."

"As for the correspondence between Allanea and the Democratic People's Republic of Norf Korea, I must say that I am gravely concerned with the rhetoric of President Kazansky in this instance. Since the dawn of Cielonian foreign policy it has been our position to tolerate alternative forms of government and to communicate with other nations regardless of ideology. While I do not condone the governmental system of the Democratic People's Republic of Norf Korea I am also not in a position to condemn it, and I would hope that both the Great Leader and Mr. Kazansky would moderate the tone of their discourse before this incident escalates into more than a war of words."

The reporter was persistent. "Ah, thank you, Madam Prime Minister. If I may?--"

"--Please."

"Thank you, Madam Prime Minister. Ah, Madam Prime Minister, the Soviet Union of Sebytania, in this incident, has already pledged to stand in support of Norf Korea in the event of an invasion. Will Cielonian forces also support Norf Korea?"

Sana groaned mentally. Outwardly, of course, she remained poised.

"At this time we are not prepared to commit forces in defense of Norf Korea in the hopes that a diplomatic solution can be reached. As to future scenarios, I'm afraid that I have yet to be voted clairvoyance-" A number of reporters chuckled. Sana couldn't help but smile lopsidedly. "-so I'm just going to say that we're not taking the option off the table. But we would hope that this incident does not escalate, and we don't believe it will come to that."

The reporter nodded, finished. With a bit of inner relief Sana gestured again into the crowd. "Mr. Ahbidenad."

A sallow reporter near the back rose. "Madam Prime Minister, regarding the export of recreational heavy vehicles to Sebytania..."

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF DAYTANISTAN

To: Uncle Noel Hoogaboom, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Otiacicoh Party Central Committee

Comrade,

On behalf of the Supreme Daytan People's Council, with whose authority I write this letter, and all the workers and peasants of Daytanistan, I extend the sincerest congratulations on your lifetime spent in service of the revolution.

The glorious nation you have built in the Serene People's Fiefdom stands tall and proud as a monument to the eternal glory of the working classes and a beacon of socialism to the world, a grand statement of the power of solidarity and purity of ideology in the face of all confounding and confronting challenges. It is with profound regret but eternal gratitude for this achievement that the Supreme Daytan People's Council received the news that you will be resigning from your most esteemed of offices at the elections you have scheduled to be held in the near future.

On behalf of the Supreme Daytan People's Council, it is my distinct honour to invite you to the Democratic Republic of Daytanistan when your well-deserved retirement affords you the free time, not as the leader of a great, free and socialist people, but as a private citizen deserving of the praise and thanks of a thankful working class across the world, where you would be able to see the miracles socialism has wrought in Daytanistan, and would receive the highest honour which can be awarded on behalf of the workers and peasants of Daytanistan, the Star of the Revolution. If you are unable to accept our invitation, the Supreme Daytan People's Council would still like to offer you this award as a token of the eternal esteem of the international working class, and alternative arrangements could be made for your presentation with the Star of the Revolution.

With the sincerest respect and admiration,

Amad Noosh
Supreme People's Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Literature, and Sports
Democratic Republic of Daytanistan

ToThe Comrades of the Supreme Daytan People's Council
From The (Soon to retire) General Secretary of the Communist Party

Comrades,

Your kind, if wholly unjustified, words of kindness have been of great comfort during this time of profound change. The support and friendship of the wider Communist International is a great aid to all who struggle for the Socialist Revolution and for that you have my thanks.

Though your words are shaded with threads of regret at my approaching retirement, we must always reflect upon the Red Flag. The idea of the flag, red with stained blood, is by no means a new idea. Kings and Emperors, slain or injured in battle, might have their blooded shirts raised in order to inspire their men to greater glory. Yet the People's Flag is not stained in the blood of a single king, a single monarch, but rather is stained in the blood of all who have valiantly struggled for the Revolution. While we rightly laud the achievements of Comrades Marx, Engels and Lenin, we must always remember that the Revolution is not built on the backs of three men alone, but on the backs of the People. In the same way, the Fiefdom (whose flag is green but nevertheless contains the symbols of Socialism) is not built upon my efforts alone, but on the efforts of all who have yearned to be free. It is right that a new leader takes them further, and thus it is true for this old warhorse to retire to the pasture, confident in the legacy of the Revolution and the People's Fiefdom.

Though, I would hasten to add, my retirement is not quite fishing and visits to the public house, at least not yet. The fledging democracy must be protected and nutured, and I await any calls that the citizens of the Fiefdom might make for me in order to faciliate this. Yet a few days off is by no means a heinous crime, and thus I would be honoured to travel to the Democratic Republic of Daytanistan in order to collect the honours that have so kindly, and yet so undeservedly, been placed upon me.

Yours fraternally, and in solidarity,

Noel Hoogaboom

Somewere in Allanea

"Oh but they do not realize… all is interlinked."

"Yes, indeed."

"Do you remember what was the death of Communism in Old Russia, Vicky?"

"It's own stupidity?"

"I do believe that the Zaporozhetz – and, of course, the Zhiguli Mark 9 – contributed a lot too, my dear. You know that theory?"

"By the expansion of the petit-bourgeois lifestyle and small-property ownership, and further by the general encouragement of consumerism, the readily-available private automobile was the portent of doom of the Soviet system… it's in one of my school History textbooks."

"Sounds almost like commie propaganda."

"Well, yes. They proceeded: 'Furthermore, the freedom of motion guaranteed by the personal car created by a method of personal – rather then mass – transit was another nail in the Soviet Communist Coffin.' Happy now?"

"Hehe. I like your school, Vicky. Who ran it?"

"The Contemporary Education Company."

"Ah. Nice chaps. At any rate… put me in contact with the Uncle Noel Automobile Lover's Union or what-have-they. I may have an offer for them…"

Office (i.e. back bedroom) of the Fiefdom Automobile Club

"Wow, you should see the spoilers on this Zagreb, its wicked mate."

"Hmmm, Steve?"

"Yep?"

"Just got an email."

"There's nothing particularly unusual about that. I get lots of emails, mostly about wherever or not I want to enlarge my co.."

"No, this is one is different. It's from the 'United States of Allanea', or at least that's what my email-provider says."

"Curiouser and curiouser. Well open it and see what it says."

ooc:

Comrades may vote on the election at:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=515434&highlight=Uncle+Noel